Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma Medication
- Author: Anastasios K Konstantakos, MD; Chief Editor: Jules E Harris, MD more...
Medication Summary
The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications.
Antineoplastics
Class Summary
Chemotherapeutic agents that may be used in advanced disease include doxorubicin and cisplatin.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex)
This is an antineoplastic agent of the anthracycline antibiotic class. Inhibits topoisomerase II and produces free radicals, which may cause the destruction of DNA. The combination of these 2 events can in turn inhibit the growth of neoplastic cells. In metastatic thyroid carcinoma, doxorubicin is probably the most effective antineoplastic agent.
Cisplatin (Platinol)
Inhibits DNA synthesis and, thus, cell proliferation by causing DNA crosslinks and denaturation of double helix.
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